About Eena Hibbs

Eena
Hibbs was born on August 31, 1959 in Seattle Washington to Dolores
Elaine and William Edward Peterson. She grew up in Burien living right
behind the Gregory Seahurst Swim Club where she swam on the swim team. She
was long and lean from her youth and was so fast at breast stroke that she
was always far ahead of the pack.

Eena attended Highline High School and graduated in the class of 1977,
then after a year at Highline Community College she was off to Washington
State University. Eena participated in women’s crew and synchronized
swimming while pursuing her English degree. It was there where she met her
true love, Gary Hibbs. Soon Gary and Eena were married and after his
graduation the couple moved to Sandpoint, Idaho where Gary took his first
teaching job. During their time in Sandpoint their first child was born.
Later the family moved to Moscow, Idaho where Eena completed her
undergraduate Bachelors Degree in Education majoring in English at the
University of Idaho.

Their family grew and eventually they moved to Seattle where Eena began
her career in Washington as director of the volunteer literacy program at
South King County Multi-Service Center. While working there she was awarded
a “Point of Light” by President George Bush Senior for her success in
overseeing the program. As a life long learner, Eena pursued and earned her
Masters Degree in Education as a reading specialist from Central Washington
University. Eventually she was employed by Highline Community
College which was the highlight of her career. Eena loved being an
educator and she had the privilege of working in many capacities at the
college during her tenure there. Eena deeply cared about her work; she
experienced meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues and
was grateful to be able to continue teaching throughout her illness.

Eena enjoyed outdoor activities like camping, fishing, skiing and hiking
with her family. She was an avid runner, swimmer and racket ball player.
Even after being afflicted with cancer Eena enjoyed swimming and eventually
water walking as means of relaxation and exercise. When in the water
swimming, one would never guess that she was a long suffering cancer
patient. Her beautiful stroke glided her through the water with ease.

Eena cherished her family and they brought her great joy. She adored her
husband, Gary and their three children, Ryan, Abra and Alina. Her family
cared for Eena in the most selfless loving way during her long fight with
cancer. Eena was eternally thankful for their devotion and attention and she
loved them deeply. Eena took her last gentle breath early in the morning on
March 31, 2011. She was surrounded by her family and those most dear to her
and died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup.